Violence against Women and Girls Crime Report

Transcription

1 Violence against Women and Girls Crime Report

2 Contents Foreword by the Director of Public Prosecutions 3 Executive summary 5 Introduction 14 Violence against women and girls 15 Domestic abuse 25 Stalking and harassment 39 Rape 45 Sexual offences (excluding rape) 63 Forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation 69 Child abuse 75 Human trafficking 83 Prostitution 87 Pornography and obscenity 90 Annex 1: Prosecutions by Area 95 Glossary of terms 103 Glossary of acronyms 109 2

3 Foreword by the Director of Public Prosecutions Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) cases are an increasing proportion of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) work. They give us some of the most complex and sensitive decisions to take. In we reached the highest volume ever of all VAWG 1 police referrals, charged defendants, prosecutions and convictions. Work with the police has successfully reversed the fall in volumes identified by the CPS over the previous few years, culminating in the conviction of over 11,000 more defendants a 17% increase since For domestic violence, rape, sexual offences and child abuse, convictions reached the highest volume ever. In total 68,601 defendants were convicted for domestic abuse, a rise of 10,325, just under 18% from the previous year. 2,581 defendants were convicted of rape, an increase of 233, just under 10%, since the previous year. 631 more defendants were also convicted for child sexual abuse a 19% rise, reaching the highest level ever of 3,975. Prosecutions commencing, in respect of stalking and harassment offences, also rose by 15.1% in from The conviction rate for domestic abuse remained relatively steady at 73.9%, against the large rise in prosecution and conviction volumes that reached a record high. During we updated our guidance for prosecutors on domestic abuse and plan further guidance and training following the new legislation on coercion and control. Despite the rise in conviction volumes for rape, the conviction rate fell to 56.9%. Work to address improving rape prosecution outcomes overall has been a priority during the last year. This is especially to address the fall in conviction proportions, which should be seen in the context of the significant rise in the volume of completed prosecutions of nearly 17%. During we have developed a national programme of work relating to rape, which seeks to address issues across the criminal justice system. An important theme of this work is to ensure that vulnerable victims have equal access to justice. Where cases meet the Code for Crown Prosecutors, we will not shy away from taking them forward, even when they are difficult and complex. To do anything else would undermine our principles of championing justice and defending the rights of victims. However, there is no short-term solution and it will take time for the work from the national programme to impact on the levels of attrition, recorded by CPS during the prosecution stage, mainly due to jury acquittals. Following work with a National Rape Scrutiny Panel 3 we delivered a National Rape Action Plan, developing structures, tools and systems with the police to address improvements at every stage of the criminal process. The work culminated in a high 1 Data for VAWG crimes grouped together includes domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences. 2 Details of completed stalking and harassment prosecutions, including convictions, by defendant, are not available from CPS databases. 3 A National Rape Scrutiny Panel, involving police, prosecutors, academics and women s groups, met in April 2014 to investigate the previous fall in the volume of rape cases and assess ways to improve rape investigations and prosecutions across the criminal justice system. 3

4 profile conference in January 2015, launching systems to ensure appropriate referral from the police and charging advice, tool kits for police, prosecutors and advocates on the law related to consent and on addressing cases involving vulnerable victims. We have also reviewed our Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) Units and the arrangements for instructing quality advocates. Furthermore we will be incorporating lessons from an Independent Review into the Investigation and Prosecution of Rape in London, published in June 2015, into our rape strategy. Our VAWG work overall in has addressed the three CPS priorities: our service to victims and witnesses, casework quality, and tools and skills for the job. We have focused further on the safety, protection and support for VAWG victims. Our Victim Liaison Units are up and running in all CPS Areas and I am currently finalising ways to improve our support for victims at court. The exploitation of victims, vulnerable because of a wide range of reasons, from age, drugs and alcohol through to learning difficulties and mental health issues, has been a consistent theme in our work over the last year. We have issued new guidance for our prosecutors addressing common issues identified in the targeting of victims, not just in rape and child sexual abuse cases but also in prostitution, pornography and sexual trafficking. We have continued to work across government with regard to legislative improvement. New laws have been introduced on forced marriage and modern slavery and amendments have been made to the legislation on female genital mutilation (FGM). In April 2015 new laws were also introduced on revenge and rape pornography and grooming, with further changes planned on criminalising sexualised messaging. Furthermore, we have worked with the Police with regard to establishing National Protocols on FGM and stalking. Our report this year highlights the impact of social media on VAWG victims, including the links between indecent on-line images and child sexual abuse and the targeting of victims through the internet. We also report on more protection of victims - restraining orders used in stalking as well as domestic abuse; the introduction of European Protection Orders; sexual harm prevention orders; new offences for forced marriage; protection orders for FGM and prevention orders in human trafficking. I would like to thank our stakeholders again for their support and expert advice through the VAWG External Consultation Group and the Community Accountability Forum. Locally thanks go to our dedicated VAWG Coordinators and Heads of the RASSO Units and their teams. We are proud of the changes we have made to the way in which we prosecute these offences in and continue to be committed to building on our achievements, learning lessons and working with our stakeholders to ensure a better service for the victims of these crimes. Alison Saunders CB Director of Public Prosecutions June

5 Executive Summary This report is an analysis of the key prosecution issues in each Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) strand - domestic abuse (DA), rape, sexual offences, stalking, harassment, forced marriage, honour based violence, female genital mutilation, child abuse, human trafficking, prostitution and pornography. We recognise that these offences can be targeted at male and transgender victims as well as female victims. A number of case studies are used to illustrate some good practice from Areas. In line with government policy, we publish the underlying data used in our reports. The underlying data for this report 4 can be found on the CPS website, in the Publications section under Underlying Data/Violence Against Women. Violence against Women and Girls In , VAWG continued to be a top priority for the CPS and the government, as detailed in the Cross Government VAWG Action Plan, overseen by the VAWG Inter- Ministerial Group. Since the introduction of the recording of VAWG crimes 5, we have reached the highest level of police referrals of VAWG defendants for charging decisions. In , 129,057 defendants were referred to CPS a rise of 19,638 referrals (18%) from and higher than the previous highest level in This rise was also reflected in the volume and proportion charged 6 reaching 88,359 (68.5%) a rise of 11,833 (15.5%) from and the highest ever. Out of court disposals, decided on by CPS at the pre-charge stage, have also reached the lowest proportion to date (1,473, just over 1% of all referrals). The rise in volumes indicates the success of the work undertaken across the police and CPS to improve referral processes for DA and all sexual offences. The volumes of VAWG crimes prosecuted 7 in rose from 90,516 in to 107,104 in , a rise of 16,588 defendants prosecuted 18.3% more than the previous year and the highest level ever. Likewise the volume convicted rose by 11,393, from 67,380 in to 78,773, a 16.9% increase and also the highest level ever. 4 Data is reported throughout this report; any additional underlying data is provided in the annex available on the CPS website link provided. 5 Data for VAWG crimes was grouped together to includes domestic abuse (the majority of VAWG crimes in terms of volume), rape and sexual offences (except pre-charge data for sexual offences) from Data from other VAWG strands is reported on separately. There will be some overlap of flagged data for domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences and child abuse, but this is not a significant volume. 6 The CPS is continually striving to improve the quality of data used in both internal and external reports. During the course of , a revised method of reporting the outcomes of charging decisions was developed. The revised method has been used in this report which provides a more accurate figure for the percentage of defendant cases which proceeded to prosecution. For this reason, the data will differ from that reported prior to Note the charging numbers covers those cases, by defendant, forwarded to CPS during for charging decisions and are not directly comparable in numbers with those prosecuted which covers cases, by defendant, finalised during

6 Areas are supported by local VAWG coordinators, who provide strategic direction and provide a bi-annual assessment of performance directly to the DPP through a VAWG Assurance System. VAWG coordinators work with local community groups including through Local Scrutiny and Involvement Panels (LSIPs). There has been a range of good practice on VAWG shared across Areas: Most Areas worked closely with their Police and Crime Commissioner on the development of the Police and Crime Plans; All CPS Areas held joint training with the police on forced marriage, honourbased violence and female genital mutilation; Training on child sexual abuse was also held in every Area; All Areas have worked with local partners across a range of VAWG issues, holding conferences, seminars and training sessions. Domestic abuse The volume of DA 8 referrals from the police rose to the highest level ever of 122,898 in a rise of 19,329 referrals (18.7%) from ,711 (68.9% of these referrals) were charged, this reflects the highest volumes of cases recorded by the CPS and a rise of 11,806 charged defendants (16.2%) since The volume of prosecutions completed in rose to 92,779 from 78,071 a rise of 14,708 defendants (18.8%) from The rise in charged defendants during impacted further on prosecution outcomes in , reaching the highest level ever. The caseload of DA cases 9 has risen since from 10.7% to 14.1% in The volume of convictions reached 68,601 a rise of 10,325 convictions (17.7%) since and the highest volume ever. Between and , conviction rates have risen from 59.7% to 73.9% - just over 14 percentage point (ppt) 11 rise over this ten year period. The conviction rate fell slightly to 73.9%, from 74.6% in , against the large rise in volume. Between when recording started and , conviction volumes have risen from 29,719 to 68,601 a rise of 38,882 defendants convicted, 131% rise over this ten year period and the highest level ever. The volume of guilty pleas rose again reaching 63,132 a rise of 17.7%; although the proportion, out of all cases prosecuted, fell slightly to 68% from 68.7%. 92% of all successful outcomes are a result of guilty pleas. Discontinued cases have continued to be at a low level, at 19.3% of all prosecuted DA cases, similar to 19.2% in , the lowest level ever. The stalking offences introduced in November 2012 have been implemented and there has been a significant rise in prosecutions started of stalking, 8 Prior to 2015, there was no specific offence of domestic violence or abuse, so cases of domestic violence or abuse were prosecuted under a range of other offences, ranging from common assault to murder. CPS flags all cases of domestic abuse, whatever the offence, to ensure compliance with CPS policy and guidance as well as monitoring performance. 9 Domestic abuse caseload as a % of all court prosecutions. 10 Ongoing recording of domestic abuse prosecutions by the CPS started in Changes in percentages are referred to as changes in percentage points (ppt). 6

7 harassment and breaches related to DA a rise of 20.4% since ; within which stalking offences have risen by just under 50%. In December 2014, the DPP announced the new guidance on handling cases of domestic abuse. The new guidelines refer prosecutors to the range of ways in which abusers can control and coerce their victims through committing clear offences without necessarily carrying out a physical assault. This will support the new offence of coercive and controlling behaviour due for implementation in A review of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts was undertaken in and findings will be assessed and actions taken in Outlined within the body of this report are case studies and good practice from a number of CPS Areas illustrating ways that Areas have improved prosecution outcomes including cases using hearsay; kidnapping, and teenage relationship abuse as well as wider local initiatives. Stalking and harassment Prosecutions were commenced for 12,122 harassment and stalking offences in ; this is a rise of 1,587 offences (15.1%) from when 10,535 prosecutions were commenced. Of these, there were 1,103 prosecutions commenced under the new stalking offences (nearly 50% rise since last year). Prosecutions commenced for 13,559 breaches of restraining order offences, a rise of 1,908 breaches (16.4%) from 11,651 in Of all harassment and stalking prosecutions, 8,230 (67.9%) were DA related an increase of 1,505 DA related (22.4%) from 6,725 in the previous year. 763 DA related prosecutions commenced under the stalking offences. 13,559 breaches of restraining order offences started prosecution, a rise of 16.4% from 11,651 in ; 82.1% were DA related. Of the 13,126 breaches of restraining orders (that were made on conviction), a rise of 18.0% from , 10,796 (82.2%) were in DA cases. Of the 433 breaches of restraining orders (that were made on acquittal), a rise of 34.5% from , 336 (77.6%) were in DA cases. 7,013 breaches of non-molestations orders started prosecution, compared with 6,498 in the previous year, a rise of 7.9%; 89.7% were DA related. The 2014 MoJ data on restraining orders and prosecution of stalking, harassment, and breaches of restraining orders is included in the body of the report. In November 2014 a national joint police/cps protocol on stalking was launched. In April 2014 a stalking e-learning module was launched. A National Stalking Awareness Day was held in April Rape The volume of rape referrals from the police rose to 6,159 in a rise of 309 referrals (5.3%) from ,648 (59.2% of these referrals) were charged, the highest volumes ever and a rise of 27 charged defendants (0.75%) from

8 The volume of prosecutions completed in rose to 4,536 a rise of 645 prosecutions (16.6%) from , reaching the highest volume ever. The rape caseload 12 has risen since from 11.1% to 12.8% in The volume of convictions reached 2,581 - a rise of 9.9% since and also reaching the highest volume ever. The official national rape statistics from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Figures show that in the calendar year 2014 there were 3,538 defendants, on a principal offence basis 13, 14, 15, 16 prosecuted for rape at the magistrates courts in England and Wales, a rise from 3,081 in ,459 cases were sent to the Crown Court for trial, compared with 3,020 in In 2014 there were 1,164 offenders convicted of rape in England and Wales, a rise from 1,121 in 2013, resulting in a prosecution to conviction ratio in 2014 of 33% - a fall from 36% in This ratio does not take account of defendants prosecuted for rape but convicted at the Crown Court of another offence. MoJ prosecution data is where the hearing has been completed in the magistrates Court in 2014, and therefore includes both completed and live cases in the Crown Court. CPS data on successful rape prosecutions include not only cases initially charged and flagged as rape, but also cases where a conviction was obtained for an alternative or lesser offence. The data is used for CPS case management purposes, alongside the MoJ data on convictions of cases charged and convicted for rape. The flag is applied from the onset of the case; this flag will remain in place even if the rape charge is subsequently amended, for victim care purposes. The MoJ data is provided to contextualise the CPS performance data. This is for a calendar, rather than financial, year and only includes cases where the final conviction was for rape. Between and , CPS conviction rates 18 have fallen from 57.7% to 56.9%; a fall from 60.3% in ; but it is important that this fall is assessed against the 16.6% rise in prosecution volumes and 9.9% rise in conviction volumes recorded. Between and , conviction volumes have risen from 2,021 to 2,581, a rise of 560 convictions, and the highest volume since records began. 12 Rape caseload as a % of all indictable-only prosecutions. 13 The figures given on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 14 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 15 The number of defendants found guilty in a particular year may exceed the number proceeded against as the proceedings in the magistrates' court took place in an earlier year and the defendants were found guilty at the Crown Court in the following year; or the defendants were found guilty of a different offence to that for which they were originally proceeded against. 16 Due to improvements in data processing, pre-2014 results may not match those previously published. 17 Recording of rape data started later than that of domestic abuse. 18 Outcomes from charge to conviction. 8

9 Discontinued cases have continued to fall and reached the low level of 13.3% of all prosecuted rape cases similar to the previous year which was at the lowest level ever of 13.1%. With the significantly lower levels of guilty pleas in rape cases compared to other crimes (34% in , a fall from 35.9% the previous year), more cases go to trial. Of all unsuccessful outcomes 19, the proportion due to jury acquittals has risen from 60.3% in to 62.7% in ; the proportion due to victim issues has fallen from 18% to 17%. Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) Units were reviewed in 2014 and actions to further improve rape prosecutions are planned for A network of Heads of RASSO Units continued to meet bi-annually, with RASSO newsletters. A National Rape Action Plan was published in June 2014, following a National Scrutiny Panel held in April The Joint CPS and Police Police/CPS Rape protocol for the investigation and prosecution of rape was revised and launched in January A conference was held in January 2015 launching key initiatives arising from the National Rape Action Plan: o Public leaflet and toolkits on consent for police, prosecutors and advocates; o Toolkit on vulnerable VAWG victims; o Systems to address the instruction of appropriate advocates in rape trials; o Clarifying guidance on early investigative advice and charging for police and prosecutors; o Provision of Areas with data on timeliness of rape cases to be addressed locally. In March 2015, a cross-agency National Rape Monitoring Group distributed CJS rape data from to Police and Crime Commissioners and local CJS agencies to scrutinise and improve rape investigations and prosecutions. The CPS is a member of the Rape Monitoring Group and contributed to the report. An independent review into the investigation and prosecution of rape in London was carried out and the report was published in June We are working, together with the police, to determine what further lessons can be learned from the report. Further webinars were held for RASSO Unit prosecutors dealing with alleged false allegations of rape and domestic abuse offences which continued to be monitored within the VAWG assurance system throughout Revised legal guidance on alleged false allegations of rape and DA was published in April A rape training programme was developed for implementation in In this report, a number of case studies illustrate the issue of consent, vulnerable victims, social media, non-recent rape cases and local good practice. 19 Definitions for unsuccessful outcomes are in the glossary; a range of reasons include victim issues, conflict of evidence and acquittals, divided into judge-directed and jury acquittals. 9

10 Sexual offences (excluding rape) The CPS is unable to record the pre-charge data for sexual offences 20. 9,789 defendants were prosecuted in for sexual offences, excluding rape; a rise from 8,554 in ; reaching the highest volume ever; Sexual offence prosecutions rose from 1.2% in to 1.5% of CPS caseload 21 in The volume of convictions reached 7,591 the highest volume ever and a rise of 12.4% since ; against a slight fall in the proportion (77.5%). New guidance on prosecuting non-recent cases where a nominal penalty is the likely outcome was published in September A number of case studies are provided in this report illustrating cases involving sexual offences where there was an abuse of trust, vulnerable victims and internet targeting. Forced marriage, honour-based violence and female genital mutilation 22 Forced marriage The CPS data on forced marriage includes all cases flagged as forced marriage and not just those related to the new forced marriage legislation introduced in The volume of forced marriage referrals from the police rose to 82 in from 67 in (58.5% of these referrals) were charged, the highest volumes ever recorded but a slight fall in proportion compared with The volume of prosecutions completed in rose to 46 a rise from 45 in % were successful, a fall from 71% in Discontinued cases fell from 41.5% when these cases were first recorded in , to 21.7% in New legislation was introduced to criminalise forced marriage in June 2014 and the first defendant convicted in Wales. New legislation on prosecuting breaches of Forced Marriage Protection Orders was also introduced and the first prosecutions were held in the North West. CPS legal guidance and e-learning training modules were refreshed in summer Police/CPS workshops on forced marriage, honour-based violence and FGM were held across every CPS Area throughout A number of cases studies are provided in this report illustrating forced marriage. 20 CPS records include no indication of pre-charge decisions regarding sexual offences (excluding rape), as the principal offence category of sexual offences which includes rape and all sexual offences is allocated to cases only at the conclusion of prosecution proceedings. 21 Sexual offence caseload as a % of all CPS prosecutions. 22 The small number of cases indicates the need for caution in interpreting this data. 10

11 Honour based violence 23 The volume of referrals from the police of honour based violence related offences (HBV) rose to 251 in from 240 in (62.5% of these referrals) were charged; about the same volume as last year (158). 225 defendants were prosecuted, a rise from 206 last year. 129 defendants were convicted, the highest volume ever, but a fall in the proportion convicted to 57.3% from 59.7% in Discontinued cases fell from 40.6% when these cases were first recorded in to 29.8% in Female genital mutilation The first prosecution of female genital mutilation (FGM), in which both defendants were found not guilty, led to a post-case review to inform future practice. It also led to further development of guidance for medical practitioners. Amendments to strengthen the offences in the FGM Act were introduced in the Serious Crime Act 2015, given Royal Assent in March A new civil FGM Protection Order has been introduced. Joint protocols with the police were agreed in all CPS Areas, and joint training has been completed as part of the implementation of national action plans. Regular conference calls were held by the Director of Public Prosecutions with CCPs to monitor progress on FGM. Areas have carried out a range of initiatives to address prosecutions, including partnership working, conferences, seminars and training on FGM. Child abuse 24 The volume of child abuse referrals from the police rose to 12,840 in a rise of 1,653 (14.8%) from ,696 (67.7% of these referrals) were charged, a rise of 965 (12.5% in volume) from , reaching the highest volume ever. The volume of prosecutions completed in reached 10,045 - a rise of 2,047 (25.6%) since , reaching the highest volume ever. There was a rise in the volume of successful outcomes in the overall child abuse cases to 7,469 in from 6,096 in the highest volume ever and a rise of 22.5%. In there were only 17 child abuse homicide offence prosecutions 25, from 35 in , with 58.8% successful outcomes. There was a rise in the volume of offences against the person (from 2,383 to 3,192); with successful outcomes falling from 72.4% to 71.3%, compared with ; against the highest volume ever. Child abuse sexual offence prosecutions completed in rose from 4,371 to 5,387 a rise of 23.2%. 23 Honour based violence cases are flagged within CPS. 24 Child abuse cases are flagged within CPS. 25 See glossary for definitions. 11

12 Successful outcomes for child sexual abuse (CSA) rose from 3,344 to 3,975 - but a fall in conviction rate from 76.5% to 73.8% against the highest volume ever a rise of 18.9%. The CPS worked on CSA as part of a wider effort across Government to respond to sexual violence against children. A range of new legislation related to grooming and sexual exploitation of children was introduced. All CSA specialists were trained to implement the legal guidance. Case studies from Areas in this report illustrate prosecution of non-recent abuse, gangs, grooming and CSA cases. Human trafficking and prostitution Since April 2010, the CPS has flagged and monitored all cases of human trafficking 26. The volume of human trafficking defendants referred from the police rose to 234 in a rise of 36.8% from 171 referrals in (83.3% of these referrals) were charged, an increase of 92 from last year (89.3%). The volume of human trafficking prosecutions completed in reached a fall from 226 in There was also a fall in the volume of successful human trafficking outcomes from 155 in to 130 in (68.6% in rose to 69.5% in ). There was a rise in volume of prostitution related offences 27 for prosecution from 441 in to 446 in The CPS contributed to the government s modern slavery strategy launched in November The CPS worked across the United Kingdom and internationally to address trafficking issues. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 was given Royal Assent in March 2015; revised guidance and training is planned. Case studies in this report include examples of trafficking and prostitution. Pornography In there was a rise in the prosecution of child abuse images from 20,373 to 21,580, including prosecutions commenced for 16,129 offences of sexual exploitation of children through photographs; with a rise in prosecutions of the most recent offence of possession of a prohibited image of a child from 534 to 631. There was a rise in obscenity offences prosecuted from 4,764 to 5, See glossary for offences flagged. As with any relatively new monitoring system, time is needed for the embedding in of its accurate use. The quality and accuracy of the data therefore needs to be considered with caution. From January 2013, the accuracy of flagging was checked quarterly. 27 Data relates to the number of offences, in which a prosecution commenced, recorded in magistrates' courts on the CMS system. Offences data are not held by defendant, outcome or equalities data. Offences recorded in the Management Information System Offences Universe are those which reached a hearing. There is no indication of final outcome or if the charged offence was the substantive charge at finalisation. 12

13 Overall there was a rise of just under 6% of child abuse images and a rise of 21.4% of obscenity offences reaching a first hearing. New legislation was introduced in April 2015 on revenge pornography, rape pornography and a new offence of possession of a paedophile manual as well as amendments to tighten the Malicious Communications Act. A number of new e-learning modules, the Prosecution of Online Grooming and the Use of Social Media were launched for prosecutors during Case studies in this report illustrate prosecutions of child sexual abuse and indecent images and revenge pornography. 13

14 Introduction This CPS Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Crime Report is the eighth edition published by the CPS. As in previous years, it covers a range of VAWG strands: domestic abuse (DA) stalking and harassment rape and sexual offences forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation child abuse human trafficking, with a focus on trafficking for sexual exploitation prostitution pornography. The report provides data and commentary in separate sections on each of the VAWG strands, including a number of case studies and good practice. Key issues that were identified in have been highlighted within each section and may differ according to strands. The CPS collects data 28 to assist in the effective management of its prosecution functions. The CPS does not collect data which constitutes official statistics as defined in the Statistics and Registration Service Act We are committed to improving the quality of our data and from mid June 2015 introduced a new data assurance regime which may explain some unexpected variance in some future sets of data. Equality profiles of defendants, by gender and ethnicity, are assessed and reported on in this report. Data on victims are reported where available and we continue to look for ways in which to improve the victim related data held in the criminal justice system. Cross-government plans In March 2015, the government published a report on its VAWG work over the past five years A Call to End Violence against Women Progress report The implementation of these actions has been overseen by the VAWG Inter-Ministerial Group. The Report included highlights of CPS achievements, including the domestic abuse conviction rate reaching the highest ever level; the establishment of Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) units; the rise in stalking prosecutions and development of toolkits for prosecutors on the issue of consent in rape cases. 28 Data on VAWG crimes have been drawn from CPS Case Management System (CMS) and associated Management Information System (MIS), which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the CPS. 29 The official statistics relating to crime and policing are maintained by the Home Office and the official statistics relating to sentencing, criminal court proceedings, offenders brought to justice, the courts and the judiciary are maintained by the Ministry of Justice. 14

15 Violence against Women and Girls VAWG work continued to be a priority within CPS National and Area business plans in A mainstreamed approach to VAWG issues has been achieved, with Area ownership and accountability. The work has addressed the priorities of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on services for victims and witnesses, casework quality, and ensuring prosecutors have the right tools and skills for the job. Work in addressed the fall in police referrals of VAWG cases. This resulted in the highest volume of VAWG crimes ever charged, prosecuted and convicted. Specific work on rape, child sexual abuse (CSA), stalking and FGM has been of high priority over the past year. All policy work on the VAWG agenda has now been rationalised within CPS HQ Operations Directorate. VAWG Coordinators: VAWG Coordinators lead on VAWG issues at an Area level. They meet bi-annually as a network to address key issues, as well as working with their Chief Crown Prosecutors in providing bi-annual reports on performance directly to the DPP through the VAWG assurance system. Stakeholder support: At a national level the VAWG External Consultation Group (ECG), involving key VAWG expert groups, continued to advise the CPS VAWG team as a subgroup of the wider Community Accountability Forum. Links across VAWG issues: Over the last few years, we have focussed on better understanding of the vulnerability and intimidation of VAWG victims. In we published guidance on ensuring an offender-centric approach, reviewing VAWG cases on the credibility of the overall allegation, rather than focusing on that of the victim. The exploitation of vulnerable victims has been a consistent theme. Our new guidance addresses common issues in the targeting of victims by offenders, not just in rape and CSA cases but also in prostitution, pornography and sexual trafficking. The use of the internet and social media has been identified as one of the main ways victims are being targeted and abused. New laws have been introduced in April 2015 on revenge pornography, rape pornography, grooming and are pending on criminalising sexualised messaging. Transforming Summary Justice: If unnecessary delays occur when cases are heard in magistrates' courts, this can cause additional distress for victims and witnesses. The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is working towards reducing delays in the Magistrates' courts, holding fewer hearings per case and increasing the number of trials that go ahead the first time that they are listed. This programme is called Transforming Summary Justice (TSJ) and is in operation from May The TSJ programme is being introduced to ensure that all parties in the CJS play their part more effectively. The aim is for a CJS with less delay, fewer hearings and more effective trials. For victims of VAWG, TSJ will provide swifter justice and less distress for victims and witnesses, as trials should be listed sooner and be more likely to go ahead on the day. 15

16 Casework Quality Standards: To ensure compliance with Core Quality Standards (CQS), the CPS developed a new system of Individual Quality Assessments (IQA) introduced in May IQA is currently in the pilot phase of development and will be fully implemented throughout the CPS in IQA assessments will be based on the work of individual members of staff and managers will be expected to assess the work of individuals engaged in non-advocacy roles on four occasions each year and advocates on two occasions each year. IQA will cover the following aspects of the prosecution process. Advice work; Charging and Review Decisions (including decisions to discontinue); Casework Preparation; Case Presentation (at all hearings and not just trials). VAWG casework hub: In line with the DPP s priority of ensuring that prosecutors have the tools and skills for the job, a VAWG section has been set up within the CPS casework hub. The CPS casework hub is an online resource and the VAWG section provides prosecutors with practical assistance related to casework preparation. It includes good practice examples as well as links to local leads, coordinators, legal guidance, toolkits and VAWG newsletters. We will continue to review and build on the information provided to ensure it is accessible and relevant. CPS Direct (CPSD): CPSD provides charging advice to the police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are responsible for charging most DA cases. CPSD refer cases involving rape and other serious sexual offences to RASSO Units, unless a charge on the threshold test is necessary outside of office hours. During % of CPSD s caseload fell within the VAWG category. A VAWG Casework Quality Board has been set up alongside robust Individual Quality Assessments of VAWG casework decisions. All managers and prosecutors received training in evidence-led prosecutions with a view to improving quality of decision-making and ensuring cases are ready for progress in court. CPSD aims to become a centre of excellence for VAWG work. VAWG performance In , CPS Areas continued to monitor their performance using the VAWG validation measure that assessed successful outcomes for DA, sexual offences and rape. This is assessed alongside the volume of prosecutions, providing more detailed monitoring within the bi-annual VAWG assurance process. This oversight has been critical in achieving continuous improvement on this important area of work. Areas are assessed further on a broad range of measures including consideration of trends in performance on caseloads and conviction rates, in comparison to the national average and ranked according to their VAWG performance. This involves detailed analysis of police referrals, charging, prosecutions and outcomes, including convictions, attrition linked to victim issues and, for all sexual offences, jury acquittals. The Areas provide commentary on their overall performance and identify actions to address improvements. They also provide details of their work across all VAWG strands. Areas receive feedback on their assurance reports from the DPP and the VAWG team and are required to draw up and deliver three action points following each bi-annual assessment. 16

17 As in previous years, the majority (86.6%) of crimes grouped under VAWG 30, for performance management purposes are DA, with rape at 4.2% and sexual offences, excluding rape, at 9.2%. Since the introduction of the recording of VAWG crimes we have reached the highest level of police referrals of VAWG defendants for charging decisions. In ,057 defendants were referred to CPS a rise of 19,638 (18%) from and higher than the previous highest level in This rise was also reflected in the volume and proportion charged reaching 88,359 (68.5%) a rise of 11,833 (15.5%) from and the highest ever 31. Out of court disposals, decided on by CPS at the pre-charge stage, have also reached the lowest level to date (1,473, just over 1% of all referrals). The increase in volumes indicates the success of the work undertaken across the police and CPS to improve referral processes for DA and all sexual offences. Sections of the report provide further detail of actions taken. Graph 1 illustrates the changes in volumes of referrals and charging since Graph 1: VAWG volume of police referrals and charged defendants The volume of VAWG cases as a proportion of the total CPS caseload is assessed as the VAWG caseload. The VAWG caseload rose in , reaching the highest level ever at 16.3%, as in Graph Data for VAWG crimes includes domestic abuse, rape and sexual offences 31 The CPS is continually striving to improve the quality of data used in both internal and external reports. During the course of , a revised method of reporting the outcomes of charging decisions was developed. The revised method has been used in this report which provides a more accurate figure for the percentage of defendant cases which proceeded to prosecution. For this reason, the data will differ from that reported prior to

18 Graph 2: VAWG caseload as % of total caseload to Annual VAWG CASELOAD AS A % OF TOTAL CPS NATIONAL 7.6% 8.7% 9.9% 10.2% 10.3% 12.5% 16.3% The volumes of VAWG crimes prosecuted 32 rose from 90,516 in to 107,104 in , a rise of 16,588 defendants prosecuted 18.3% more than the previous year and the highest level ever. Likewise the volume convicted rose by 11,393, from 67,380 in to 78,773, a 16.9% increase and also the highest level ever. Graph 3 indicates increasing volumes, reversing the earlier decline from Graph 3: Volume of convictions and prosecutions for VAWG crimes from to The VAWG conviction rate at 73.5% successful outcomes in , although a slight fall from 74.4% in is assessed against the 16.9% rise in volume of defendants convicted 11,393 more. Graph 4 indicates the ongoing upward trend of conviction rates over the last seven years. 32 Note the charging numbers covers those cases, by defendant, forwarded to CPS during for charging decisions and are not directly comparable in numbers with those prosecuted which covers cases, by defendant, finalised during

19 Graph 4: Conviction rates for VAWG crimes from to % of successful outcomes were due to guilty pleas. More guilty pleas mean that cases can be brought to court more quickly and at a substantially reduced cost, as they require less preparation. This benefits victims as they do not have to attend court to give evidence. Area performance The tables on pages provide VAWG prosecution data by Area and police force districts. From , a revised method of data interrogation and reporting has been used which provides figures for both City of London Police (CLP) and the British Transport Police (BTP) in addition to the other 42 police forces. Data for the 13 CPS Areas will not fully align with the data for the constituent police forces as there will be a small number of cross-border prosecutions between Areas as well as data from CLP and BTP. The linked annex, provided at the beginning of the Executive Summary, provides Area and police force district pre-charge data. In , the VAWG assurance assessment included pre-charge as well as charged data. Equalities issues Gender The gender data for was similar to that in % of VAWG defendants were men. From those with recorded gender 33, the proportion of women victims was 84%. Ethnicity In , 77% of VAWG crime defendants 34 were categorised as White, of which 72% were identified as White British (similar to the previous year). Just under 6% of defendants were identified as Asian, and just under 6% were identified as Black, 33 84% of victim gender was recorded in a rise from 83% in Ethnicity data on defendants are collected by the CPS in accordance with the agreed CJS definitions for the 16+1 ethnic categories. 19

20 similar figures to the previous year 35. Just under half of victim ethnicity was not recorded, so this data is not reported on within this report. Age The majority of defendants were aged (71%) and (22%). 25% of defendants (26,785) were under 24 years old, with 3,295 (3%) of defendants being years old and 212 (0.2%) aged From those victims with recorded age 36, the majority were aged (66%) and (23%). Similar to defendant age, 29.3% of victims (23,558) were under 24 years old, with 3,733 (5%) of victims being years old, 895 (1%) aged and 228 under 10 (0.3%). International VAWG work In an International VAWG strategy was developed to effectively prosecute VAWG cases with an international element. The strategy addresses cases where evidence or witnesses are located overseas, offenders flee abroad or where offences occur in other jurisdictions as well as work with other jurisdictions to improve prosecution of VAWG offences at source. The aim is to maximise the effectiveness of CPS VAWG prosecutions with an international element, making greater use of its network of prosecutors deployed overseas, and working closely with CPS Areas, Casework Divisions, across Whitehall and other governments. The casework hub provides easy access to essential country and fact specific information for lawyers engaged in international work. Work to introduce European Protection Orders is outlined in the domestic abuse section of this report and details of international work are provided in the human trafficking section. International liaison: In CPS provided advice and assistance in VAWG cases in connection with the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, UAE and USA. This included enquiries to obtain witness statements, ABE interviews for victims, interview suspects, set up video links for live evidence, obtaining medical evidence, obtaining communications data, comparative law requests in extra-territorial jurisdiction cases, third party disclosure requests, jurisdictional issues and transferring proceedings to other countries. 35 4% of defendants did not state an ethnicity on arrest and just over 5% of defendants ethnicity was not provided to the CPS by the police % of victim ages were recorded in a rise from 81% in

21 Victim issues Victim issues are addressed within each section of the report. In addition, a number of general victim issues are of importance in the prosecution of VAWG cases. Improving services to victims and witnesses: the focus on improving the quality of services to victims and witnesses continued during in accordance with the priorities of the DPP. Government cross-cjs commitment to victims: The CPS contributed to this commitment which was published in September Within CPS all relevant staff will have a victim-focused objective in CJS strategy and action plan: The CPS is working with the Victim s Commissioner and CJS partners to ensure compliance with the Victim s Code and Witness Charter. Victims Right to Review: The Victims Right to Review (VRR) scheme was set up in June 2013 to make it easier for victims to seek a review of a CPS decision not to prosecute. Reviews are initially carried out by the Area and the case may be further reviewed by the Appeals and Review Unit (ARU) upon request by a victim, following the Area s decision. Performance is monitored to reflect the number of cases in which the VRR was successfully upheld as a percentage of cases where there was an identified victim. The ARU has provided reports on the performance of all the areas for the CPS Board as part of Area Quality Performance Reviews. These highlighted the decisions involving sexual offences received and overturned by the ARU and included an analysis and report on the trends in decision-making. Furthermore, a rape specialist prosecutor from the ARU provided feedback and facilitated discussion at a meeting of the Heads of the RASSO Units. Regular updates are provided for Areas, for lessons to be shared. Victim Liaison Units: dedicated Victim Liaison Units have been set up across all CPS Areas to ensure that victims are given timely, empathetic communications when we decide to stop a case or substantially alter the charges. These units are a onestop-shop for victims of most crimes in respect of our post finalisation communications. The units are also responsible for managing the Victims Right to Review scheme, the CPS feedback and complaints policy and the administration of other victim related schemes such as supporting bereaved families. Victim Communication and Liaison scheme: the new Victim Communication and Liaison scheme has been implemented across all CPS Areas. Under the scheme, which replaces the Direct Communication with Victims scheme, the CPS continues to inform victims of decisions to stop or substantially alter charges, providing tailored enhanced services to victims in most need of support. This includes VAWG victims. Speaking to witnesses at court: as part of our commitment to improve the at court experience for victims, we have developed proposals to give better support to victims and witnesses at court. We meet them, explain the role of the prosecution, and involve them where possible in key decisions about how to proceed in the case. We provide them with more information on the nature of the defence case before they give evidence. The proposals have been the subject of a public consultation and the responses received are currently being considered by the CPS. 21